Finally the agonizing PLAB/UKMLA 2 exam is done. Some stations were horrible- you were completely clueless about the what, why, and where; while some went superb, you handled everything confidently. After a month or so when the results will be out, it will hardly matter any more since you will have passed. Mark my words!

I don’t know what to do…

Now that you are done with the exam, you lean back on your imaginary chair in your imaginary warm house by the side of your imaginary fire place on a cold, cold night. You’ll see how far you’ve come in your journey.

  • You cleared IELTS/OET,
  • You have passed PLAB/UKMLA 1,
  • You have travelled to the UK to appear in PLAB/UKMLA 2, and that has a check mark now as well.

The sound of the windy night outside gets masked by the soothing sound of crackling firewood. Oh, the warmth, the comfort… and suddenly, everything- poof!

What is the reason for my existence now?

I know that feeling of finishing a long, convoluted TV series by binge-watching multiple seasons, and then you don’t know what to do with your life anymore. Well, get a hold of yourself first. Second, let me tell you, you have a lot of things to do after PLAB/UKMLA 2, even before that judgement day of your result. Let me explain-

  1. Patiently waiting for results. The toughest job, right?
  2. Not discussing your stations and relieving your PLAB/UKMLA 2 day over and over again. Don’t do it. Just don’t.
  3. Planning for GMC registration.
  4. Setting up an NHS jobs profile.
  5. Applying for jobs.

Yes, 3, 4, and 5 can be done right after PLAB/UKMLA 2 exam in done.

Planning for GMC registration

After your PLAB/UKMLA 2 results come out (and you pass!), you can apply for GMC registration online right away.

Check here how to approach and what to know before How to apply of the GMC registration and also this post to figure out the documents needed for GMC registration and how to obtain them.

After completion of the online application part, you will receive an email showing a list of documents GMC needs for your registration and you will have to send them scanned copies first. It doesn’t take them long to send you this email. They’ll check them and confirm with you within 5 working days after you have sent them your email.

Make sure your EPIC verification has already been completed before proceeding to this step! If they require any further evidence based on your application, they will ask from you. And the process goes on until they send you a sweet email that your registration has been approved.

I have my valid IELTS, but not the UKVI IELTS!

It’s okay! With the new rule approved by UKVI, the valid IELTS or OET you have used to obtain your GMC registration can also be used for your TIER 2 visa.

To know further about IELTS, IELTS for UKVI and UK NARIC check this post about English Language Proficiency for PLAB, GMC registration and Tier 2 visa.

Applying for NHS Jobs

When you get your papers for GMC registration, and the application and all are sorted out, the next thing on the plate is getting a job. As a newly GMC registered doctor it is highly recommended you land your first job in the NHS.

Check this post how to apply for jobs in the NHS to help you setting up your NHS jobs profile and give you an idea about how to approach to application for a job.

To summarize, things you SHOULD DO after PLAB 2:

  • Plan for your GMC registration and gather the required evidences, if you hadn’t done already.
  • Set up an NHS jobs profile and making a CV.
  • Start applying for jobs, keeping an eye out for their closing dates.

There are some opinions about doing clinical observership/attachment in the UK during this time after PLAB 2, but in my opinion you shouldn’t be too much bothered if you couldn’t manage one. Many people have not done attachments and have gotten jobs just fine.

In terms of career progression, where am I after PLAB 2?

There is a common misconception that – “PLAB is only for new doctors”, that is NOT true. Based on your previous experience, you can intend to start from an FY2 to ST3 level non-training job after PLAB 2. I would highly recommend reading postgraduation pathways in the UK for a better understanding of the hierarchy of doctors in the UK healthcare system and understand your route of entry.

If you are still confused, please check the following InFocus Video on NHS Jobs and interview:

Finally, even though I outlined a whole list of things to do, don’t forget to relax a little. Go out, see things. You deserve to treat yourself with the city landscape, the architecture, the history, “The Old Smoke”.

Good luck for your results!